Condom use intentions among “forced” male bachelors in rural China: findings from a field survey conducted in a context of female deficit

Qunlin Zhang, Isabelle Attané, Shuzhuo Li, Xueyan Yang

Abstract

This study investigates condom use intentions and their psychological and socio-demographic correlates among forced male bachelors in rural China, based on the theory of planned behavior. Data are derived from a cross-sectional survey entitled “Older males’ reproductive health and family life survey in rural China” which was conducted by the Institute for Population and Development Study at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China’s JC district, Anhui province in 2008, in collaboration with INED in Paris. Results indicate that condom attitudes, stronger sexual partner norm, and greater perceived behavior control, are positively associated with increased condom use among rural forced male bachelors. Condom use at first sexual intercourse is a significant predictor of the condom use intentions. Younger forced bachelors are more likely to use condoms in the future. These results may help to better understand condom use among forced male bachelors in rural China and also provide theoretical support for HIV/AIDS and STI interventions that encourage condom use at early stages of the sexual life course.

Shuzhuo LI, Professor, Institute for Population and Development Studies, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China. E-mail: shzhli@mail.xjtu.edu.cn.

Xueyan YANG, Associateprofessor, Institute for Population and Development Studies, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China. E-mail: xueyanyang@mail.xjtu.edu.cn